Your Starter Guide to Zumba and its Benefits

The best thing about the Zumba basic workout is the fact that it's fun! Unlike traditional aerobics, this workout is disguised in the form of a fun dance. Don't let that fool you though: you will be getting a full body workout in your Zumba class. But what exactly can you expect?

What Are The Moves Like?

Any Zumba basic workout will depend on what the instructor is like. Some of the common moves include cha-cha-chas, mambas, side touches and V-steps. It can be difficult to keep up at first, when you have no experience with this kind of dance. However, the more you repeat it then more you'll find that it sinks in.

How A Typical Class Works

Zumba classes are fun, but don't expect them to easy. They will require you to work hard! That said, you don't need to have any experience in dance to join in.

Your class will usually take place in a traditional dance/ exercise studio with the instructor demonstrating the moves at the front of the class. There are often mirrors to make it easier to see what's going on. Classes typically last for one hour, with a warm-up at the beginning and cool-down/ stretching at the end.

The good news is that it's nearly impossible for a Zumba class to get boring. The music is a mix of samba, merengue, cumbia and reggaeton. Each track is different from the last one, and a new dance routine comes into effect as the music changes.

Depending on your current fitness levels, you'll probably start to sweat early on in the class. It helps to wear sweatbands to wipe this away from your face as you dance.

But What if I Can't Dance?

If you know me in any way, in person or through the online world, then you will know that I will be one the very first people to tell you that if you can move, you can dance. Yes, you may find it difficult at first, but this is true with anything new. Just with anything else, however, you'll find that it gets easier as you go along. 

The best thing about the Zumba basic workout is that you can start at beginner level. Nobody is scrutinizing your dancing skills here; it's all about having fun along with the music! As long as you're moving, even if you don't get the moves just right, you're doing it right!

What If I Don't Enjoy Zumba?

Although few of us associate exercise with fun, Zumba is meant to be just that. The only way you can decide whether or not it's for you is to try it out! Most people find it a great way to burn calories - a lot more fun than working out at the gym. That said, most instructors will let you test out the class once before you make a decision to stay or not.

Zumba is a form of dance workout - some say a big party - that helps people to get fit while having fun. It was first developed by aerobics instructor Beto Perez in the 1990s, as he forgot his traditional music CDs and used latin beats instead. The dance incorporates a number of moves, and the benefits of Zumba include toning, weight loss, and general wellbeing. If you want to know more, just keep reading.

How Zumba Helps Get You Fit

Zumba is primarily a cardio workout. This means that it gets your heart pumping, helping to burn calories and fat. As a result, you'll tone your body and increase your stamina. Remember, cardio exercise should be incorporated into your daily routine. You should try to do some sort of cardio workout five days a week if you want to achieve the best results. Many people mix Zumba with other weekly activities to achieve the level of fitness they're looking for.

Zumba is Good For The Body AND Soul!

But what about the additional benefits of the Zumba moves? Don't forget, you're dancing while working out. This means you're improving your coordination and your sense of rhythm, and learning a new skill at the same time as getting fit! Not many other exercise classes can boast the same benefits.

The best thing about Zumba is that it makes people smile. Ever wonder why people are so enthusiastic about Zumba when you ask them about it? It's because it's fun! Dancing and smiling not only helps to improve fitness, it boosts self esteem and helps to ease away the stresses of the day.

Can I Burn Calories From Zumba?

The benefits of Zumba will differ from person to person, depending on the effort you put into your classes, and your own physical make-up. The good news is that most people will burn anywhere from 450-1000 calories during a one hour session. Remember, it depends on your level of experience too. As you progress, your instructor can intensify the workout, upping the calorie count even further.

What About Zumba for Weight Loss?

As you can see above, Zumba will help you to burn calories, which should help you to lose weight. But there's more involved in losing weight than simply burning calories. You should try to stick to a healthy diet, and combine the cardio exercise from Zumba with weight training (this helps to boost the calorie burning).

Many Zumba addicts say that the main benefits of Zumba are that it's fun, and that it's something they want to keep doing. Whether you're trying to lose weight or simply get fit, finding something that you won't give up on is half the battle.